• Indian gaming platform STAN secures $8.5M from Bandai Namco, Square Enix, Google’s AI Futures Fund, and more to expand AI and creator tools.
  • With new backing from global and strategic investors, STAN will boost AI-driven personalisation and expand across mobile-first regions.

The Indian social gaming platform STAN has launched an $8.5 million funding round, drawing in a spectacular array of international and strategic investors, including Japanese gaming giants Bandai Namco, Square Enix, and Reazon Holdings, as well as Google's AI Futures Fund and Nazara Technologies.

Existing backers General Catalyst, GFR Fund, T-Accelerate Capital, and Pix Capital also continued to fund the round, demonstrating the broad trust in STAN's creator-first philosophy and quick development trajectory.

“Gaming is no longer just play—it’s identity, conversation, and community,” said Parth Chadha, co-founder & CEO of STAN. “We’ve grown 25x in two years purely through product-led growth. This is just the beginning.”

The site presents itself as India's response to international behemoths like Discord and Twitch but tailored for a mobile-first, Gen Z audience, thanks to its array of mobile-native features, which include voice-driven Clubs, live game integrations, shoutouts, and subscriptions.

The recently received money will enable STAN to make significant investments in AI-driven personalisation capabilities, boost creator monetisation opportunities, and quicken its growth throughout India and other mobile-focused regions.

To further solidify its position as a vital link in the rapidly expanding gaming and creator economy of the region, the firm also intends to launch new integration solutions for game publishers and content partners.

"Gaming is no longer just play—it’s identity, conversation, and community.” The CEO added, “We’re building the next billion-dollar social company out of India—fast, focused, and user-first.”

STAN, India's leading mobile-native social platform for gaming communities and developers, was founded in 2022.

STAN is revolutionising digital culture in gaming, fandoms, and creator economies with its live audio, real-time participation, and monetisation capabilities. Available on iOS and Android.

Edited by Annette George